Fathers' Perceptions of Their Role in Family Mealtimes: A Grounded Theory Study.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020;
52:45-54. [PMID:
31561968 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2019.08.012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study examines how fathers negotiate the role of feeding with other family members, and how this both impacts and is shaped by the structure of mealtimes.
DESIGN
Six separate focus groups.
SETTING
South East Queensland, Australia.
PARTICIPANTS
Fathers (N = 27) of children aged ≤12 years employed in blue-collar occupations or service industries.
PHENOMENON OF INTEREST
Fathers' perceptions of their role in family feeding.
ANALYSIS
Grounded theory.
RESULTS
Two major themes were identified: (1) mealtime structure, reflecting various arrangements and management procedures that give ultimate shape to mealtimes; and (2) division of labor, reflecting the work required to bring about such arrangements and how this work is allocated. These themes were interrelated and harmonized to create family mealtimes. Fathers felt that labor was assigned pragmatically; designated roles around feeding within the family facilitated structured mealtimes.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Fathers' roles in balancing the labor and structured mealtimes to feed the family require further research attention, particularly across different family structures, to enhance their engagement in and contribution to the family meal environment. Offering cooking programs and meal planning education to fathers may support them in their different roles and enhance efficiency.
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